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Weed has become part of mainstream society around the world in recent years. In countries like the United States, you can now walk into shops in some states and buy recreational cannabis, completely legally.
In June 2022, Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize recreational cannabis. It looks likely that more Asian countries will follow in Thailand’s footsteps in the not-too-distant future.
This liberalization of cannabis use seems to imply that using weed is totally safe. This isn’t true. Using cannabis can cause physical mental health problems, and may also lead to dependence. Once someone becomes hooked on cannabis, their lives may begin to fall into a downward trajectory.
The only way to stop this descent is by stopping cannabis use entirely. To help you do this, we have created this guide on exactly how to quit weed.
If you’re a chronic weed user and have tried quitting before, you know how tough it is. But what exactly is it that makes stopping using cannabis so difficult?
The most common reason that stopping is so hard for weed users is the psychological factor. Once you become dependent on cannabis, trying to quit leads to increased stress, depression, anxiety and sleep deprivation. You may also find that your appetite is greatly reduced, and that you do not enjoy eating any more.
This psychological dependence is even worse in people who began using cannabis as a coping mechanism. If you already had anxiety before you began using weed, you will have to get through the withdrawal effects from cannabis, and then deal with the original reasons why you began using.
Trauma can also cause people to stay caught in cannabis addiction. Someone who starts (often unwittingly) using cannabis in an attempt to reduce their trauma symptoms may need to address their trauma when they stop.
You may also find that most or even all of your friends are cannabis users. It is common for habitual weed users to socialize mainly with people they get stoned with. As being around cannabis can be triggering when you first stop using it, most addiction specialists recommend that you do not hang around with people who smoke cannabis when you first get clean.
The perceived harmlessness of cannabis use can also hinder the quitting progress. While most people acknowledge that drugs like cocaine, heroin and crystal meth can cause enormous harm to you in a short space of time, many people believe cannabis use is fairly benign. This belief has been reinforced by the liberalisation of cannabis that we have seen around the world.
This perception of cannabis as being harmless can lead to a lack of support from friends and family. While if you were to quit doing heroin, you would likely be applauded by those around you, some people may not be as supportive when you quit the herb.
Now we’ve looked at why it is so challenging to stop, let's look at exactly how to quit weed. Following the tips listed here will give you a fighting chance of stopping.
You should have a day in mind when you will stop using cannabis for good. On this day, get rid of all the cannabis paraphernalia from your house, so you can make a clean break.
Reminding yourself of why you are quitting is key. Whether it is improving your mental well-being, physical health or your relationships, having a clear purpose will help you stay motivated.
Share your decision to quit with supportive friends and family. If there is no one around you who is understanding, or if you do not want to talk about your addiction with others, consider joining a support group. Having a supportive network provides encouragement, understanding and accountability throughout your journey.
Knowing how to quit weed involves identifying your triggers. There are the situations, emotions or environments that trigger your desire to use weed.
Some of these may be obvious. You may find that you want to quit after a stressful day at work, or when you are associating with certain friends. Other triggers may be more difficult to uncover, and might involve working with an addiction professional or sponsor.
Replacing smoking with healthier alternatives will help you quit smoking weed. Find activities that bring you joy, relaxation or a sense of accomplishment. This can help redirect your focus away from marijuana.
Many people find that physical exercise is of great benefit when they quit smoking weed. Going for a run or hitting the gym will boost your level of endorphins, improve your appetite and help you get a good night's sleep.
Getting professional guidance can be invaluable when you are stopping weed. An addiction specialist can provide you with important insights and coping mechanisms.
Seeing someone professionally is particularly crucial if you have underlying mental health issues, as these issues may cause you to relapse if you do not address them.
Learn about the effects of marijuana use and the benefits of quitting. Understanding the impact on your body and mind can reinforce your commitment to a weed-free lifestyle.
There is now plenty of research that shows meditation can help you manage stress and reduce cravings. Mindfulness techniques can also boost self-awareness and assist you in breaking your cycle of habitual marijuana use.
At support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous, clean-time milestones are celebrated. Acknowledging and celebrating your recovery achievements can help you to stay clean, and may also encourage others to stay away from cannabis.
Learning from people who stopped smoking cannabis a long time ago can be a powerful tool when stopping weed
While your appetite is likely to be depleted when you first quit smoking, eating good food is important. Your body and mind need vitamins and minerals to heal from the harms caused by cannabis abuse.
Going to an inpatient rehab centre like Samarpan Recovery in Pune will give you all the tools you need on how to quit weed. Our team of addiction professionals will guide you through the entire process, from detox to aftercare.
We also provide outpatient treatment services to all residents of Mumbai, at Samarpan Health, our sister facility in Churchgate, Mumbai.
Samarpan is a specialized international Substance Use Disorder (De-Addiction) and Process Addiction rehab in Pune, India that accepts a maximum of 26 clients. We only accept clients on a voluntary basis and have a highly structured program that encompasses the most effective approaches to Substance Use Disorder and addiction. The facility is set in the rolling hills Mulshi, with clients having either individual or shared rooms, in a modern resort-like facility, staffed by Internationally Accredited Professionals. Samarpan is fully licensed under The MSMHA and is also an accredited GORSKI-CENAPS Centre of Excellence offering a program from 5 to 13 weeks.
If you or someone you care about is considering treatment for substance use disorder or process addictions, we can help. Contact us now on admissions@samarpan.in or phone/WhatsApp us on +91 81809 19090.
+91 81809 19090admissions@samarpan.in